The Ulster Democratic Party, the political wing of the UDA, has said there is growing anger among loyalists about the slow pace of prisoner releases. Its prison spokesman, Mr John White, warned of demonstrations if the situation does not change.
Mr White was speaking as seven inmates, five republicans and two loyalists, were released from the Maze Prison in Co Antrim yesterday. Fifteen have been released so far. Up to 200 more prisoners are expected to be freed by the end of the year and another 200 within the next 18 months.
However, Mr White said the releases were not happening fast enough. "The UDP has been inundated with calls from relatives, friends and the prisoners' own organisations expressing dissatisfaction with the situation. People are very unhappy, and this could lead to street demonstrations, something we should want to avoid."
One UDA prisoner was released yesterday. The first UVF prisoner to be freed under the terms of the Belfast Agreement also left the Maze. The Progressive Unionist Party, the UVF's political wing, had previously alleged the paramilitary group's prisoners were not receiving parity of treatment with other organisations.
All the paramilitary groups which had declared a ceasefire before the Belfast Agreement was signed five months ago have now had prisoners freed.
Meanwhile, the Northern Ireland Office yesterday ordered an official inquiry into disturbances at Maghaberry Prison. There have been several violent incidents recently in the jail where staff claim to be under pressure because of cutbacks.
Up to 14 prison officers were treated for smoke inhalation when prisoners set fire to mattresses last weekend. Other inmates blockaded themselves in a recreation room, and there was also trouble in a yard. It is understood non-paramilitary prisoners were involved. Sources said prisoners had started the fire to protest at extended lock-ups.
A Northern Ireland Office spokesman said yesterday: "In all prisons tensions arise from time to time. We are launching an inquiry into the disturbances, and measures are being taken to avoid any potential escalation of particular difficulties in Maghaberry."
However, the Prison Officers' Association warned of loss of control of the prison. There had been 64 fires in the jail over the past 2 1/2 years, according to the POA spokesman, Mr Finlay Spratt, and more staff were urgently required. "At a time when the prison service is talking about 1,000 job losses at the Maze, why can't they provide the staff for Maghaberry?" he asked.